Just what does a typical Nebraska farmer
look like? That's what Omaha radio
station KFAB wanted to find out in 1943. The station teamed up
with the Macdonald photo studio of Lincoln on a "Typical-Looking
Nebraska Farmer" contest at the Nebraska State Fair. Each
contestant stood before Macdonald's camera and received a free
copy of the portrait for his trouble.

The photographs of about thirty of the
nearly one hundred farmers who
participated in the contest were on exhibit at the Nebraska State
Historical Society's headquarters building, 15th & R Streets,
Lincoln. The portraits provide a fascinating look at Nebraska
farmers of all ages in the middle of World War II, dressed in
everything from double-breasted suits to overalls.

So who was the typical-looking Nebraska
farmer? The contest winner is unknown,
but you could cast your ballot as part of the exhibit. The winner
of the new version of the contest was announced when the exhibit
ended, and one lucky voter won a Nebraska State Historical Society
tote bag. Typical-Looking Nebraska Farmer Day: Portraits from
the 1943 State Fair ran through 2002.

During the 1943 Nebraska State
Fair, KFAB broadcast a one-hour variety show daily from the fairgrounds
auditorium. The show attracted large crowds. A sign at the back
of the stage advertises the Typical-Looking Nebraska Farmer contest.[NSHS-RG2183.PH:1943-0906-204]